Tess Whittet
Sports Editor
Girls water polo sank their opponent’s chances of making it to the California Interscholastic Federation quarterfinals.
The Mustangs easily defeated Righetti High School 11-4 at home on Feb. 15 in the team’s first CIF game of the season. The team was lead by top scorers junior Camille Lyter and sophomore Leigh Lyter.
“Overall, it was a really strong start to CIF for us,” Camille Lyter said. “We really hope to go far this year and it was a confidence boost to win.”
Costa started out the first quarter with a goal from Leigh Lyter, followed by one from Camille Lyter, quickly putting Costa in the lead. The Mustangs kept Righetti scoreless the whole quarter and continued to dominate with two more goals from Leigh Lyter and one from senior Ella Pachler. Costa ended the quarter up 5-0.
“We came out strong in the first quarter and scored a few quick goals right off the bat, not really needing any time to adjust to their playing,” Pachler said.
The second quarter started with another goal from Leigh Lyter and Camille Lyter. Righetti fought back with three of its own goals. The quarter ended with a goal from freshman Maiken Pardon, ending the half with the Mustangs in a 8-3 lead.
“Our team worked really well on counter attacks and passing into the set,” Camille Lyter said.
The Mustang’s offense slowed in the third quarter with only one goal being scored the whole quarter from Camille Lyter. Costa’s strong defense kept Righetti from scoring any goals in the quarter, finishing the quarter 9-3.
“I think that the first half started off well, our goal was to hit the other team hard with a press defense and then take our time with offense,” Leigh Lyter said. “Especially in CIF games it’s important to prioritize defense first before advancing our offensive line.”
Costa continued to dominate in the final quarter, adding two more goals to their score from Pachler and Pardon. Righetti were incapable at making advances at the goal until a five-meter penalty shot was called. Righetti scored off the penalty shot, but were unable to catch up to Costa, losing the game 11-4.
“I think we played defense really well throughout the game,” Pachler said. “Pretty much the only goals they scored were some lucky lob shots from way out and a penalty shot, but other than that we pressed them really hard and that was really effective.”
The Mustangs are now 18-10 overall and will be advancing into the CIF quarterfinals. The next game will be on Feb. 17 in an away game against an Rosary High School.
“They have a strong goalie and set and if we match up with their strengths then the game should go well for us,” Camille Lyter said.
Leave a Reply